The energy in the Pine Bush High School auditorium Wednesday morning for the opening convocation was electric, powerful, joyous.
Our staff members filed in after greeting each other in the hallway with smiles and hugs after the summer break. The 2024-2025 school year is about to begin and they are ready for it!
Luke Beers, a sophomore at Pine Bush High School, kicked it off with a wonderful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Leaders of the unions representing our employees welcomed everyone from what they hoped was a restful summer. Chris Passudetti, president of the Pine Bush Teachers Association, urged everyone to find joy every day in what they do, for themselves and their students.
The group heard encouraging messages from board members Dori Johnson and, via video, Gretchen Meier, wishin gthe best for the upcoming year.
Interim Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Terrilyn Cohn then took the stage and got everyone to answer to her spirited “Hello Pine Bush!” Ms. Cohn recapped all the changes that had occurred over the summer, including some shuffling of administrators.
“We played musical chairs with administrators and we are so excited about our team,” she said, noting the promotions of Interim Superintendent Amy Brockner, Interim Director of Special Programs Erica Walentin, Interim Assistant Director of Special Programs Jennifer Fitzgerald and Interim Assistant Principal at Pine Bush Elementary School Aly Callahan, not to mention her own position.
Ms. Cohn talked about the curriculum writing done over the summer to align with the new state standards. She mentioned the district team sent to Florida for the first Conscious Discipline Institute. They came back ready to share what they learned. Finally, she spoke of the district-wide Learning Walk tool developed to highlight and celebrate the great happenings in our classrooms, all while promoting growth and excellence.
Ms. Brockner welcomed everyone back and said this promises to be an inspiring and transformative school year.
“I am filled with a deep sense of pride and anticipation,” she said. “It is both an honor and a privilege to lead this group of truly remarkable educators, and I take this responsibility to heart.”
Our theme this year, she continued, is “One Team, One Mission.”
“Our strength lies in our ability to collaborate, to support each other, and to bring our unique talents and perspectives together,” Ms. Brockner said. “It’s crucial that we cultivate trust within our team. Trust is the foundation of successful collaboration.”
Our mission, she continued, is clear and unwavering: to ensure the success of every student.
“This mission is the heartbeat of our district, driving everything we do,” she said. “We are united in our commitment to provide an exceptional education that empowers all our students to reach their full potential.”
The principles that will guide us through the year are:
- Collaboration – the heart of our success; ensure everyone’s voice is heard and build strong relationships
- Commitment – set clear, measurable goals; demonstrate dedication through actions; lead by example
- Innovation – encourage creative thinking and commit to continuous improvement
- Support – actively offer assistance; encourage well-being and build a community of care.
Ms. Brockner used the lessons of geese as a metaphor for our Pine Bush team. Geese don’t fly alone; they save energy when they fly together. No matter how talented you are, the lift of team members’ unique talents and strengths will lift the whole team. Like geese, we must keep an eye on each other, protect each other. Have each other’s backs.
Pine Bush High School special education teacher Jonathan Lozier received the Christopher Bement Award, an award named in memory of the son of former Superintendent of Pine Bush Schools Frederick Norwood Bement, who served as superintendent in the district from 1969 to 1980. Christopher graduated in 1975 from Pine Bush High School and died in a car accident in California in 1987. The award is presented to a district staff member who goes above and beyond in service to the children of Pine Bush, as many of Christopher’s teachers did for him.
Here’s to an amazing 2024-2025 school year!